Jimmy John's extends partnership with Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Jimmy John's, a gourmet sandwich chain, has extended its partnership with Kevin Harvick in a multiyear agreement, Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday.

Jimmy John's will be the primary sponsor of Harvick's No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion for 16 races in 2017, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 (Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. ET, FOX).

"I've known Jimmy since 2009 and I've personally seen how driven he is and how his work ethic is embraced by Jimmy John's franchise owners," said Harvick, the 2014 Premier Series champion. "He wants to be the best, period. And he'll out-work everyone to be the best. That's the same mindset we have in racing. I'm proud to continue this partnership with Jimmy John's at Stewart-Haas Racing."

The company will also serve as a major associate sponsor on the car for the remaining 22 races of the year.

"Jimmy's passion for quality products and service has made Jimmy John's what it is today," said Stewart, the three-time Premier Series champion and co-owner of SHR. "He's a savvy marketer who has seen the benefit of a NASCAR team sponsorship. We're pleased to continue our partnership with Jimmy John's because combining quality with quickness is what Stewart-Haas Racing is all about."